2021 AIM Handbook Updated May 10th, 2021 Please check back periodically for updated versions of this handbook as the guidance is subject to change due to current challenges associated with COVID-19. Since 1790, in war and peace, the Coast Guard has protected the citizens of the United States and the nation’s maritime interests. On 1 March 2003, the Coast Guard entered the Department of Homeland Security and embarked on a new era of public service. Our flexibility makes us a unique instrument of national security, allowing us to carry out economic, environmental, humanitarian, law enforcement, and national defense missions. Along our nation’s coasts we stop drugs, illegal migration, and pollution. Around the world, we assist developing nations in establishing and training their Coast Guards and Navies. This is why we are regarded as the world’s premier maritime service. The Coast Guard Academy is one of the most selective schools in the country, usually admitting only about 15% of applicants. We combine one of the most highly regarded undergraduate educations with the training required to lead the world’s finest professional maritime service members. All graduates of the Academy receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in their selected major and a commission as a Coast Guard Officer, forming a new generation of leaders in our unique maritime military force. As a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard, they lead men and women who are continually called on to serve their community, country, and humanity. 1 The Academy Introduction Mission – AIM – will likely be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of your life. As an AIMSTER you will learn exactly what it takes to become a cadet at the United States Coast Guard Academy. Make no mistake, AIM is a very realistic program, designed to challenge and inspire you. It will test your self-discipline, physical and mental toughness, commitment to service, and your capacity for teamwork. Rest assured that the cadet cadre and Academy faculty and staff are focused on YOUR success and in helping you take full advantage of the opportunities that AIM offers. I look forward to having you join us! Captain Michael S. Fredie Director of Admissions U.S. Coast Guard Academy Attendance Instructions The following information is provided to assist you in preparing for your six-day experience at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. AIM Experience It is important that you make an informed decision about which colleges you apply to and, ultimately, choose to attend. Our goal at AIM is to provide you the opportunity to see if the Academy is right for you and if you have what it takes to succeed. You will experience the rigor, discipline, and rewards of the Coast Guard Academy personally, just like a cadet. This includes the military discipline, physical training, and team building experiences that are the cornerstone of our Swab Summer program. Expect to be pushed physically with extensive running, push- ups, planks, calisthenics, and other physical activities. You will intentionally be placed in safe, yet high-stress situations like our cadets; you will learn to respond effectively in times of difficulty or crisis, like you might experience during a Coast Guard mission. Expect to be yelled at for extended periods of time, asked to meet near impossible deadlines, and learn to work and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, as a team. You will also have the opportunity to meet faculty and staff, learn about our academic, military, and athletic programs, and talk with cadets who have sailed America’s Tall Ship EAGLE, flown aircrafts, and began their leadership journey. Most importantly, you will meet with Coast Guard professionals who are protecting our nation right now. In summary, this is not merely a college orientation program. AIM is intended to let you lead the life of a cadet and expose you to the Coast Guard and our various missions. The Honor Concept 2 There exists a higher standard of conduct that can neither be delineated by laws nor defined by regulations. It is the concept of Honor. Because Coast Guard cadets are called to a life of public service, their words and signatures are regarded as verification of the truth. Cadets live by the hallowed words: “who lives here reveres honor; honors duty.” They will neither lie, cheat, steal, nor attempt to deceive. The honor concept is epitomized by an individual who places loyalty to duty above loyalty to personal friendship or selfish desire. While attending AIM, we encourage you to embrace the spirit of this concept and make it your own. Physical Training Cadets are always on the go and, at AIM, you will be too. Expect to be running to every training, meeting, and lecture you attend throughout the week and participating in multiple group and individual exercises, daily. To get in shape, we recommend a rigorous daily schedule of workouts that include warming-up, stretching, running, push-ups, planks, and pull-ups in the weeks prior to AIM. New England summers are notorious for their unrelenting heat and humidity. By following the steps discussed below, you can become acclimated to these conditions before you arrive, making your transition more comfortable. Start acclimating at least one month before reporting. First, gradually raise the thermostat temperature in your house, and if it is air conditioned, close off the ducts to your bedroom. If possible, no air conditioning should be used for two weeks prior to arriving at the Academy. Be aware that there is limited air conditioning in Chase Hall where you will be residing. Second, start to reach and maintain optimal hydration. Drink 8-16 ounces of water or noncarbonated fluids every 2-4 hours. Drink 2-3 glasses of fluid over the two hours before strenuous activity and maintain hydration during the activity by drinking 4-8 ounces every 30-60 minutes. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as these promote dehydration. Since you may experience warm conditions and delays en route to New London, please carry a water bottle with you and maintain your hydration as outlined above. Transportation to the Academy Driving directions to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy are available on the Academy’s website, at https://www.uscga.edu/directions/ Participants in AIM are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy when reporting in for AIM. Bus services will only be provided on each Friday (graduation day) for departures. Additional transportation services will be provided Saturday morning for departing flights on Saturday as necessary. Students attending the in-person AIM sessions will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for drop-off at the Academy. A relative or guardian in the local region suffices. 3 Students will be rapid tested for COVID on campus upon arrival on Day 1. Results will be received in 15 minutes, and the parent or guardian must remain present until results are received. Those who test positive will be returned to their guardian and will be unable to participate in the program. Please plan to arrive at the Coast Guard Academy on reporting-in day between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Transportation back to the airports in Providence, Rhode Island (T.F. Green Airport) and Hartford, Connecticut (Bradley International Airport) will be arranged by the Academy to leave after the AIM Graduation on Friday afternoon. Students are free to depart after Graduation at 2:00 pm. Please bring a copy of your travel itinerary. Do not schedule airline departures prior to 5:00 p.m. Transit to the most local airports takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Automobiles/Driving at CGA Due to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s heightened security posture, you may be required to present your AIM acceptance letter at our Main Gate. The vehicle’s driver must have a valid state issued driver’s license. All passengers over 18 years of age must also present a valid, government issued photo ID; a state issued driver’s license is acceptable. Due to the number of cars on base for all Academy activities, parking is limited for pick-up and drop-off days, and some vehicles may be required to park in off-base overflow lots. Scholarship Instructions Scholarships are available for students demonstrating financial need. The scholarship request form is available at https://www.uscga.edu/get-set/. Scholarship request forms must be filled out and submitted via email to an Admissions Officer or [email protected] by May 15, 2021. Students awarded a scholarship will be notified by May 18, 2021. If you are awarded a travel scholarship, please do not make your own travel arrangements. Your travel arrangements will be made for you by the Admissions office. For your planning purposes, you will be leaving on the Sunday of your AIM session and will be flying into either Providence, RI (T.F. Green) or Hartford, CT (Bradley International) airports. Again, if awarded a scholarship, please do not schedule your own travel; reimbursement requests for travel expenses not approved in advance will not be honored. Check-In and Registration AIMSTERS must report to Dimick Hall by 3:00 p.m. on reporting-in day. Please do not attempt to check-in before 1:00pm. If you arrive prior to 1:00 pm, feel free to tour campus on your own 4 until check-in begins. At check-in you will be required to present proof of vaccination and will be administered a COVID-19 rapid test. The program normally begins at 3:00 pm, with registration taking about 40 minutes. Early arrivals will watch a video.